India’s achievement recognised
India recognised for strengthening social security system: India has been honoured with the ISSA Award 2025 for expanding social security coverage to a record 64.3% of the population, benefiting more than 940 million citizens. The recognition came at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, attended by delegates from 163 countries.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya presented India’s journey, noting the rise in social security coverage from just 19% in 2015 to today’s milestone. This expansion was recognised as an “Outstanding Achievement in Social Security” by the International Social Security Association (ISSA).
Static GK fact: The International Social Security Association (ISSA) was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Role of digital public infrastructure
A central driver of this growth has been digital public infrastructure. The e-Shram portal has registered over 310 million unorganised sector workers, offering them access to multiple welfare schemes in local languages.
The National Career Service (NCS) platform, integrated with e-Shram, connects skilled youth with employers, allowing them to secure global opportunities while retaining their social security benefits.
Static GK Tip: The e-Shram portal was launched in August 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Institutional contributions
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) remain vital institutions in expanding coverage. These organisations provide pension, healthcare, insurance, and various protections to millions of Indian workers.
Their reach has expanded significantly with digitisation, reducing delays and ensuring direct benefit transfers.
Static GK fact: EPFO is one of the world’s largest social security organisations, managing over ₹20 lakh crore worth of funds.
Policy and future strategy
India’s approach has been holistic, combining policy reforms, process simplification, and digital innovation. By linking financial inclusion, skill development, self-employment, and social protection, the government has created an interconnected system to ensure inclusive growth.
The forward strategy aims to integrate more informal workers, strengthen portability of benefits, and expand coverage to migrant labour. This aligns with the global call for universal social protection.
Static GK fact: Social security is listed under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, allowing both the Union and State governments to legislate.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India recognised for strengthening social security system:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | World Social Security Forum 2025, Kuala Lumpur |
| Award | ISSA Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security |
| India’s coverage | Increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025 |
| Beneficiaries | Over 940 million citizens |
| Key schemes | e-Shram portal, National Career Service |
| Major institutions | EPFO, ESIC |
| Minister present | Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya |
| Organiser | International Social Security Association (ISSA) |
| ISSA HQ | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Future focus | Migrant labour, financial inclusion, benefit portability |
